AUSTIN, Texas – State and federal recovery officials encourage Texans to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals. Also, FEMA does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services.

FEMA encourages survivors as well as local residents and businesses to be especially vigilant for these common post-disaster fraud practices:

Fraudulent building contractors. When hiring a contractor:

• Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.
• Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
• Do not pay more than half the costs of repairs upfront.

Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations. Often, unscrupulous solicitors may play on the emotions of disaster survivors, residents and business owners. Be aware that disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits. To ensure a charity is legitimate:

• Ask for the requestor’s name as well as the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and website address – then call the charity directly to confirm the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.
• Whether making a donation by cash or with a credit card, request a receipt including the charity’s name, street address and phone number.
• With text messages, the five-to-six digit numbers known as a short code makes it difficult to tell who is on the receiving end. A legitimate charity will not ask for personal information or a credit card number by text.

Identity theft. Beware of visits, calls or e-mails from people claiming to be from FEMA, the state of Texas or a volunteer group. They will ask for an applicant’s Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information because their real goal is to steal personal identity and money.

• Don’t fall for scam artists who promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

• Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Phony housing inspectors. Homeowners and registered FEMA applicants should watch out for housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA or the SBA.

• Inspectors already have each applicant’s nine-digit registration number and a FEMA inspector will not ask for this number.
• FEMA inspectors NEVER require banking or other personal information.
• The job of FEMA housing inspectors is to verify damage. Inspectors do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine eligibility for assistance.

Federal and state representatives carry photo identification. Ask to see it. If unsure, call FEMA to verify the employee at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585.

If fraud is suspected, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. If you are a victim, suspect a home repair scam, are contacted for unsolicited information, or believe a business is practicing price gouging, call the Office of the Texas Attorney General at 800-252-8011.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.